Ole Miss vs Georgia Tech Odds, Picks, Predictions (9/17/22)
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There’s not much to glean from the Rebel’s start to 2021. They rolled over Troy and Central Arkansas. There might not be much to glean from this next stretch of schedule.
Ole Miss takes on a broken Georgia Tech team that features zero returning production. The Rebels will go on to face Tulsa next week as well.
Despite that, where does the value lie in this game?
Let’s break it down. Read on for our Ole Miss Rebels vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets odds, picks, and predictions.
Ole Miss Rebels vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
This line has moved in between 16 and 16.5 all week, and I expect it to settle there. I think that might not be enough points, to be honest, especially since Georgia Tech is 0-2 ATS this season.
The over has taken all the money, however, I actually think the number has been pushed too high.
But we need to dissect this matchup a little more.
Ole Miss Rebels vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Prediction & Pick
Georgia Tech finished outside the top 100 FBS teams in both Offensive and Defensive Success Rates last season. Head coach Geoff Collins returns just eight total starters from that team, including only three on defense.
I’m not sure what the Yellow Jackets do with that.
Quarterback Jeff Sims has been playing well, for what it’s worth. He was the lone bright spot in that horrific loss against Clemson, often making solid throws in between Clemson’s second-level coverage.
Jeff Sims should consider changing schools
— National Champion Damski 🌰 (@Damski32) September 6, 2022
However, that was the only touchdown of the game. The Yellow Jackets can’t move the ball when four of five offensive linemen and the top rusher from last season are gone.
The Rebels’ Lane Kiffin is the Transfer Portal King. He added seven impact transfers to a defense that picked up 39 sacks last season, and that defense overwhelmed their Sun Belt and Atlantic Sun opponents. The offense lost a ton of NFL talent, but USC transfer Jaxson Dart has looked good in limited action and the run game will be talented behind four returning offensive linemen.
In their first real test, I expect the Kiffin to let it loose in this one. I wonder how much better the Yellow Jackets are than a Sun Belt team, especially after how that conference has performed in the early season. Georgia Tech’s defense managed to avoid explosive plays against Clemson, but the Tigers don’t create explosive plays. You know Kiffin’s offense will.
Bill Connelly’s SP+ projections make this line Ole Miss -27.5. That is a massive edge and I believe Ole Miss covers 16 or more with ease.
Ole Miss Rebels vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Key Matchups
Key Matchup: Jeff Sims vs The Ole Miss Cornerbacks
If the Rebels have a weakness, it’s at cornerback. There are some depth issues here, and the Rebels will have to lean heavily on their loaded safety room.
As I mentioned, Jeff Sims is a solid quarterback. He needs to target those weaker cornerbacks early and often. He should also target the shorter passes considering he won’t have much time to get the pass off.
If he targets the high safeties with pressure in his face, this exact moment will re-create itself:
Andrew Mukuba picks off Jeff Sims on the first play of the game. 😳 https://t.co/0oVFd31BZJ
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 6, 2022